Quarantine measures required against coronavirus

***

- Adil Bey, how real is the reaching of coronavirus, which disturbs the world, to Azerbaijan?

- First of all, let's say that coronaviruses were first discovered in the ‘60s with a common cold in the nasal cavity and are supposed to be transmitted by the animal to humans. Therefore, it is considered a zoonosis. In other words, it is a virus that occurs in both humans and animals. This virus is called like that since it is reminiscent of the crown according to its microscopic appearance. About 10 strains of this virus have been identified. 3 of them are heavy strains. One of them is SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the other is MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), and the third most dangerous strain is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, which is now dangerous. The remaining strains cause seasonal colds every year. Every year, this virus shows up. This latest virus has been taken under control by the World Health Organization. Because all epidemics and pandemic infections are particularly dangerous, they are the subject of the World Health Organization.

Regarding the issue that the virus has reached to Azerbaijan, this is completely true. Because there is an important trade relationship, migration, and constant dynamics between Azerbaijan and China. Therefore, the transmission of the virus to Azerbaijan is completely real. Please note that the virus has already been detected in Turkey and Georgia.

- Recently, we receive reports that people die from acute respiratory diseases in the regions, as well as in the Institute of Lung Diseases. This also raises the idea that coronavirus has reached Azerbaijan. Even recently, there has been news on social media that the epidemic reached Azerbaijan and more than 12 people died. It was also written that the president held an emergency meeting regarding this issue. According to the writings, the ministry is hiding facts. Do you think it is possible that the heavy virus spreads in Azerbaijan and causes deaths and this is kept hidden from the public?

- We have not been able to link recent deaths to coronavirus since no official information on the virus has been reported in Azerbaijan. However, it is noteworthy that there are cases of death from acute respiratory infections at the Central Clinical Hospital, the Institute of Lung Diseases, and even at home. These are already officially announced. For example, the death of several people from acute respiratory deficiency in the Institute of Lung Disease causes suspicion. I repeat we cannot confirm it. Because no official information is given. The swabs taken from nasal cavities of those who were dead or are patients must have a virus identification in the laboratory. If this were not the case, we would not be able to confirm death from that virus.

- Recently, we only see that the diseases, which are spread across society, are accompanied by severe fever and cough, and by fever, diarrhea, and vomit. What are these diseases?

- In general, this virus is primarily associated with general intoxication. It can start in the form of irritation of the respiratory tract, the presence of catarrhal symptoms (ie, inflammatory symptoms), nosebleeds, diarrhea, cough, throat irritation, and sore throat. These symptoms may occur in this or another form. The main issue is that the disease is accompanied by heavy intoxication, and this intoxication, that is, the body's toxicity with this virus and its products, weakens the organism significantly. The virus is apt to the inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and lungs. This is called pneumonia. This can be called the 2019 Novel Pneumonia. This is also a respiratory deficiency. It is noteworthy that in China, in all these images, on the monitor there is a significant reduction in saturation, that is, lung supply in the body. For example, it is about 60-70. This indicates that lung respiration has become significantly worse. Oxygen penetration into the body through the lungs has become reduced. This characterizes the course of the disease.

- Azerbaijan has trade and other ties with China, as well as with other countries where the coronavirus epidemic is spread. Even the virus has already reached some European countries. Could this virus desist from Azerbaijan?

- As I said, the virus penetration into our border, distribution, and causing casualties are as real as in other countries. Indeed, we do not approve of this. Because, as I said before, we have no official confirmation. However, this probability remains high in any case.

- It is said that the virus was artificially developed to weaken the Chinese economy. Is it possible in medicine that any virus can be artificially produced and used for certain purposes?

- In fact, this is a serious charge. It is hard to confirm. Because such a thing is a crime against humanity. And such an event could be qualified as a criminal offense, according to the Helsinki Declaration. But this is not confirmed. This is nothing but a probability and a rumor. On the other hand, the economies of certain countries throughout history have been severely damaged when any infection spread such as plague epidemic, black death epidemic, Spanish flu, which has killed many people. Not only the economy of China but also the economies of many countries will suffer from this. Therefore, there is not enough reason to think that it has been artificially created to weaken the Chinese economy.

- What can be done to prevent and protect against the epidemic? What should people do? What steps should the government take?

- Quarantine measures should be taken first and foremost to prevent and protect against the epidemic. This is also reflected in the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Infections prone to epidemics and pandemics do not recognize borders. In such situations, quarantine measures should necessarily be taken. For this purpose, the state must strictly control the border crossing points, entry points, entrance and exit points, bus terminals, railway stations, customs offices at airports. Special medical teams should be established so that suspects are immediately quarantined, isolated, and the route should be established after a thorough examination. On the other hand, different public places, schools, universities, and large companies should definitely be disinfected with various antiviral disinfectants. Awareness-raising activities should be carried out among the population. All TVs should broadcast a few hours a day about it. The population should be explained how to behave normally and in the case of illness. Patients should definitely go to bed. Multiple fluids should be taken and a doctor should be consulted. He/She must be completely under the supervision of a doctor. Experience shows that the vast majority of the dead were those who had the disease on his/her feet and were not cured. When people go to bed, it is best to ventilate the room frequently, to prevent the increase of virus concentration. In public places, in public transport, it is better to use respirators and special masks. Because it is an air-borne disease and all these can prevent it from spreading.